Nebraska Crop Plans Shift for 2025

By Scout Nelson

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released its 2025 Prospective Plantings Report for Nebraska, providing key insights into expected crop acreage across the state. Based on survey data collected during the first two weeks of March, the report outlines how planting intentions have shifted compared to 2024.

Corn planting is set to rise notably in 2025, with Nebraska corn growers intending to plant 10.6 million acres—an increase of 5% from the previous year. This marks a significant uptick in corn acreage, indicating strong grower interest and market demand.

Conversely, soybean acreage is expected to decline. Nebraska producers plan to plant 5.00 million acres of soybeans, which is down 6% from 2024. Hay production is also projected to drop, with 2.15 million acres expected to be harvested, a 9% decrease.

Winter wheat acreage seeded in fall 2024 is estimated at 970,000 acres, a slight decline of 3% from last year. Sorghum planting intentions are down 5%, totaling 275,000 acres.

There are some increases among smaller crops. Oat intentions have risen to 130,000 acres, an 8% increase from last year. Sunflower acreage is also climbing, with producers expecting to plant 31,000 acres in 2025—up 10%. This includes 27,000 acres of oil varieties (up 4%) and 4,000 acres of non-oil varieties (up 74%).

Other crops show notable decreases. Dry edible beans are expected to be planted on 120,000 acres, down 8% from last year. Sugarbeet acreage is estimated at 46,000 acres, a 3% decrease. Dry edible peas see the largest drop, with just 13,000 acres planned down 50% from 2024.

These planting decisions reflect changing market conditions, crop demand, and weather considerations. The USDA will continue monitoring crop progress as planting season begins across Nebraska.

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